Creating with Tim...

When the Mountain Plains Crafters' Design Team members were each tasked with coming up with a card for July 4, of course, my first thought was Red, White and Blue.. And then because I try to think outside of the box more often these days, I wondered what I could come up with that was a bit different. I knew that I didn't have many - if any -  July 4 themed stamps, so I had to put my thinking cap on. Thought of using some sort of flower petal stamp for fireworks or a flag to be patriotic. Maybe something along a military line with a yellow ribbon. Then I had one of those Oprah "aha moments" .. I remembered all of those Tim Holtz Blueprint stamps that I had bought and were too inTIMidated to use yet. You see, Tim Holtz has always been a creative inspiration to me. From his videos to his blog; from his paper to his Distress ink pads and markers; from his tissue tape to his embossing folders and stencils... Until recently, I have been mostly an admirer of his, a collector of all things Tim. Having seen some of the amazingly creative cards etc. made with his products, I have been very hesitant to use all of my goodies.. Not quite sure I could do his supplies justice, make something worthy, I guess you could say.. I own a Sizzix Vagabond machine but have not even used it yet !! I do use his embossing folders and Distress markers alot but really need to branch out and use much more of what I have..  So, a July 4 card was the perfect opportunity to ink up my Blueprint stamps and create something. I also used Ideology ribbon and some of Tim's Seasonal paper as well as coloring with Distress markers.. I decided that anything I made would be uniquely ME and I finally felt that Tim  ( and I ) would be happy with that... I would like to push myself and branch out, maybe use some embossing paste with  Tim's line of stencils.. Get out my Gelatos and make a background to use with some of the other Ideology stamp sets I own.. You Tube has some amazing videos so stay tuned for some mixed media projects from me also.Hope you like my July 4th creation and also some other Tim-inspired cards.. Who gets you into the creative spirit ?? Let me know who inspires you..

July 4

Blueprint stamps, ribbon & paper ( all by Tim )

Embossing folder, tissue tape & Wish ticket ( all Tim )

Embossing folder (yep, Tim's )

Film strip by Tim

( one of my favorite supplies )

Thank you for sharing in my creative process.

Until next post ....   dEb